atonal

1 of 2

adjective

aton·​al (ˌ)ā-ˈtō-nᵊl 

(ˌ)a-

: marked by avoidance of traditional musical tonality

especially : organized without reference to key or tonal center and using the tones of the chromatic scale impartially

atonalism

(ˌ)ā-ˈtō-nə-ˌli-zəm 

(ˌ)a-

noun

atonalist

(ˌ)ā-ˈtō-nə-list 

(ˌ)a-

noun

atonality

ˌā-tō-ˈna-lə-tē 

ˌa-

noun

atonally

(ˌ)ā-ˈtō-nə-lē 

(ˌ)a-

adverb

atonalism

2 of 2

noun

aton·​al·​ism (ˌ)ā-ˈtō-nə-ˌli-zəm  (ˌ)a- 

plural -s

1

: the avoidance of traditional tonality as a principle of musical composition

2

: musical composition in atonal style

3

: the theory of atonal composition

Examples of atonal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

As is Takal, clearly having fun with the film’s queasy, lurching atmospherics, abetted by the sparse, shivery, atonal chimes of Jonathan Goldsmith’s score, and the floating, disembodied feel of Robert Leitzell’s camerawork. —Guy Lodge, Variety, 13 June 2026

The first concert starts with Ciani’s signature ocean sounds before Cunningham’s chords—dull, glassy—add an atonal sheen. —Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 9 Apr. 2026

Some of it is almost atonal and experimental. —Steve Appleford, SPIN, 6 Apr. 2026

Via new music, staging and projections, the concerts include One Morning Turns Into An Eternity, which examines deep grief and trauma as well as transcendence through atonal and meditative works. —R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 17 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

a- entry 2 + tonal

First Known Use

Adjective

1911, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for atonal

• coronal
• hormonal
• umbonal
• veronal
• clonal
• sonal
• tonal
• zonal
• embryonal
• monoclonal
• polyclonal

Kids Definition

atonal

adjective

aton·​al (ˈ)ā-ˈtōn-əl 

(ˈ)a-

: being music written without traditional organization based on a scale

atonality

ˌā-tō-ˈnal-ət-ē 

noun

atonally

(ˈ)ā-ˈtōn-ə-lē 

(ˈ)a-

adverb